From the HSUS

The Humane Society of the United States has received a number of inquiries into rumors that Febreze, a cleaning product manufactured by Procter & Gamble, had caused the death of several pets. Veterinary toxicologists working for the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) National Animal Poison Center are conducting an ongoing investigation into these claims. The ASPCA has issued this statement: "All information reviewed to date suggests that there is no evidence that Febreze represents any risk to pets when used according to label instructions. Presently, the Center considers the product safe to use in households with pets. As with any cleaning product, the Center recommends that birds be removed from the room until the product application has dried and the area has been ventilated." In addition, the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory reports that it has "not received any cases indicating adverse reactions to Febreze."

For further information, please contact the ASPCA

From the ASPCA

Veterinary toxicologists at the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center and other experts continue to look into claims that the use of Febreze™ in the home caused the death of several pets. The center considers Febreze™ safe to use in households with pets.

Contrary to rumors being spread over the Internet, there is no substantiated evidence that the use of Febreze™ caused the death of any dogs or cats. In instances where a pet died and a necropsy (autopsy) was performed, an understandable cause of death was identified and Febreze™ was eliminated as the cause. For example, a pet owner contacted the center convinced that the use of Febreze™ had caused the death of the family dog. A necropsy confirmed that the actual cause of death was from complications of severe heartworm disease.

Other calls have involved pet owners spraying Febreze™ directly on their dogs to eliminate musty skin odor. Although the dogs in these cases did not develop any problems, neither the center nor Procter and Gamble recommend that Febreze™ be used in any manner inconsistent with the label.

We have received questions regarding the use of zinc chloride in Febreze™. The small amount of zinc chloride found in the product's original formulation is not a concern. Low concentrations of zinc chloride have been used in human toothpaste, eye drops, and other products.

Since birds are much more sensitive to airborne chemicals, we continue to recommend the use of added caution. As we recommend with any cleaning product, remove the bird from the room until the product application has dried and the area has been ventilated.

The center continues to consider the product safe to use in households with pets. Please call 1-800-345-4735 if you suspect that your pet is experiencing problems or visit us at www.napcc.aspca.org

Steven R. Hansen, DVM, MS

Diplomate American Board of Veterinary Toxicology

Senior Vice President